Wilma J. Wydeven

Wilma J. Wydeven, Age 96, of Kimberly, died peacefully on July 18, 2025 at St. Paul’s Villa in Kaukauna.  She was born Wilhelmina Adriana Maria Timmers, the youngest child to Wilhelmus  and Adriana Timmers in Uden, Netherlands, on January 25, 1929. She grew up on the family farm during World War II. The experience of war and then the liberation by the Allied Forces helped shape the person that Wilma would become. She married the love of her life, Martin Wydeven, on August 21, 1952 at St. Petrus Catholic Church in Uden.  Together they immigrated first to Canada in 1954 and then on to the United States in 1956.  Wilma, Martin and their three oldest children proudly became United States naturalized citizens on November 12, 1962. After that she became known as Wilma Jane.

Wilma worked part time as a seamstress at W.A. Close, a men’s clothing store, in Appleton for several years. When her children were young, she volunteered with the Cub Scouts and the Girls Scouts. In later years, Wilma was an active volunteer for Special Olympics, the Cursillo movement, and religious education for special needs children at Holy Spirit in Kimberly. Together, in retirement, Wilma and Martin enjoyed their time at their cabin near Shawano and many winters in Brownville, Texas. Their Dutch heritage was very important to Wilma and Marty. They were involved with Kermis and the Klompen Dancers. They often danced in traditional Dutch clothing at weddings, anniversaries, and birthday parties. She also visited local schools to share her culture and experiences of growing up in the Netherlands.  Wilma was known for her kindness, inclusiveness, and loyalty. The door at their home was always open and so was a seat at their table. They often entertained friends and relatives from the Netherlands. Wilma embraced technology and loved being on Facebook to stay in touch with friends and relatives near and far.  Wilma also enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, reading, watching sports, puzzling and playing cards with family and friends.

Wilma is survived by her children Ed (Cindy), Bill (Christie), Bernie, John (Peggy), Mike (Bonnie), Paul (Karen), Wendy (Dr. Peter) Janu; grandchildren, Lisa Schulze, Carl Schulze, Dusty Hansen, Kim Narbatovics (John Swanson), Kristian ( Tracy) LeCapitaine, Bill (Anj) Wydeven, Gina (Alan) Walstad, Scott (Krista) Vandenberg, Amanda (Brett) Curtis, Melinda (Yassine Amor) Hetzel, Nicole (Nick) Wydeven Blau, Sarah (Manny Serrato) Wydeven, Sean (Hannah) Wydeven, Beau Wolsky (partner, L.J. Whritenour), Ross Wydeven, Laura Wydeven (special friend, Blake Chambers), Connor Janu (special friend, Holly Reimer), Charlie, and Harris Janu. Wilma is further survived by 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She will also be remembered by numerous special nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Martin preceded Wilma in death on July 27, 2019.  Wilma was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Adrianus, Pieter, Johan, Bernard, and Theo; sisters: Anna, Gerarda, Sjaan and Johanna and their spouses; Martin’s brothers: Harry, Jan, Peter, Theo; and sisters: Truus, Marie, Bertha and Mien and their spouses.

Wilma was the last of her generation in both the Timmers and Wydeven families.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 600 E. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, Wisconsin with Father Carl Schmitt officiating. Visitation will begin at church at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Mass. The service will be livestreamed at holyspirit-parish.org.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff at St. Paul’s Elder Services in Kaukauna. Your care, kindness, and compassion toward Wilma was very much appreciated.

 “ Je bent niet meer waar je was, maar overal waar wij zijn. Rust in vrede, mooie ziel”